MEDICAL GEOLOGY IN MEXICO: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Mexico is ranked as the 13th largest country in land area. In addition, it possesses one of the world’s most active geologic regions; and as a consequence, it is rich in natural resources. In the last decade, some Mexican scientists have conducted research projects concerning human health, weather, water pollution, and many other issues. However, few projects focused on the relationship between natural geological parameters and human and animal health. With this in mind, the authors began communication with Jose Centeno and Robert Finkelman of the International Medical Geology Association (IMGA) to conduct a course related with medical geology. This course was carried out in 2011 in Chihuahua, Mexico. In addition, Professor Rubio-Arias and two Mexican students participated in the 4th IMGA Conference that was hold in Bari, Italy in 2011. These two events were the background to obtain and disseminate information about this discipline and to apply for the confirmation of Mexico´s IMGA Chapter. In March 2012 the Mexico Chapter of the International Medical Geology Association was officially recognized, with about 12 scientists as initial members of the chapter. One of first commitments of Mexico´s chapter was to conduct another workshop to promote this discipline, and finally, this course was offered in Mexico in 2013. About 130 students and professors attended this event. As a chapter we are planning different events for the near future and we expect to perform different workshop and activities throughout the country. We have the goal to have about 200 members of the Mexican chapter by the end of 2014. We also expect to have communication and potential future projects with other chapters overseas.